The new season of the British drama The Crown is out. Without giving away too much of the plot, the series covers more recent events in British history, from the late 70s into the 90s. There is already a minor “controversy” over how the series recounts a famous New Zealand event - moving a press call where Prince William was given an iconic New Zealand buzzy bee toy - to Australia.

Part of the appeal of the Royal family is that they touch historic figures through their holding of positions of privilege, and the access that gives them. Everyone interested in Margaret Thatcher’s career will take an interest in this season of The Crown. The addition of Princess Diana and the drama that goes with that is also featured.

The fleeting mentions of New Zealand - and other Commonwealth countries where the Queen is head of state - makes a point in itself. We’re more useful to the Royals than they are to us. We provide the Royals with a backdrop, a way of expressing British soft power as their hard power has ebbed away. Which then begs the question: what does that give us? Our head of state should promote Aotearoa to the world, not another country to Aotearoa.